Grammarly is a go-to tool for a lot of freelance writers. Typos, tone, suggestions for tighter, smarter composition—it can definitely be a workhorse.

But while you think you’re using Grammarly, it might also be using you.

Many users don’t realize that Grammarly trains and improves its AI models off of users’ content.

And not after asking for permission to do so. The default settings allow it to use a lot of writers’ material unless the program is told not to.

If you’re a user, your client emails, blog posts, and research are likely feeding the machine—buffet status!

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Who’s Automatically Opted In?

If you’re using a Free, Premium, or single-user Pro account, the Product Improvement and Training setting that allows AI training is turned ON by default.

If you’re on an Enterprise or Education account, you should be opted out automatically.

Why Freelancers Should Care

• Client-owned intellectual property could be repurposed or replicated undermining its value. The same could happen with your IP.
• Drafts for ghostwritten or confidential work could be at risk of exposure.
• Unique writing styles or techniques that give you an edge could be absorbed and suggested, making your work less distinct.
• Writing is your hustle and Grammarly isn’t paying you for training a tool the company uses to make money.
• Improving the writing of AI models could be harmful to freelance writing market, reducing opportunities and rates.
• And, no matter what the company tells you, you just don’t really know what happens to information it obtains from you.

Even though Grammarly says it de-identifies and sanitizes your data, if something leaks or goes wrong, are you in a position to take legal action?

If a client uses Grammarly—likely for the same type of content or subject matter as the work you’re being paid to do—and starts getting suggestions that make them question the originality or effort of your work, are you ready to face that?

Even if you’re unbothered by the AI training, you should still be aware that it’s occurring. As a professional, you should know what’s going on with your clients’ information and the work you sell to them.

How to Stop Grammarly AI Training

If you’re like me, and you prefer not to be trained upon, you can (supposedly) stop the AI training.

1. Go to your Grammarly Privacy Settings
2. Find “ Product Improvement and Training”
3. Turn it OFF

Once disabled, Grammarly says it no longer uses your content to train its models.

Hopefully, they’re sincerely giving you the option to opt out. But like any tech setting, it’s a call for trust.

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Privacy Settings a Separate Story

You should also be aware that turning off AI training doesn’t stop Grammarly from collecting other information.

Again, by default, Grammarly collects a range of information from your account and content, including usage data, cookie information, device information, location and time zone, user contacts, and info from third-party accounts you use to log in, like Google and Apple

Managing that is completely separate from AI training and a topic for another day—but still one you should be aware of.

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